Safety Jacket

ABSTRACT

A safety jacket ( 10 ) comprising a buoyant vest ( 12 ) including a front portion ( 16 ) to be located adjacent the chest of a wearer and a rear portion ( 18 ) to be located adjacent the back of the wearer. A rod support is provided comprising a support member ( 32 ) pivotally connected to a lower edge of the front portion ( 16 ) having an aperture ( 34 ) for receiving an end of a fishing rod.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a safety jacket.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

When participating in activities in or around the water, it is often necessary to have access to a flotation aid, such as a lifejacket. In some circumstances, such as fishing from boats, it is common for the lifejackets to be on hand but not worn at all times. In other activities, such as fishing from the shore, it may be that no flotation device is provided at all. In circumstances such as fishing from rocks however, there have been many instances where fishermen have been washed from the rocks and drowned. These cases may have been avoided with the use of an appropriate flotation device. However, many fishermen do not wish to wear lifejackets while fishing from the shore.

The present invention relates to a safety jacket having features aimed at making it suitable for use during a range of activities, as well as features making it particularly suitable for fishing. The safety jacket is therefore aimed at providing a range of useful features in a manner which is expected to improve the likelihood that fishermen will wear the jacket while fishing.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a safety jacket comprising:

a buoyant vest including a front portion to be located adjacent the chest of a wearer and a rear portion to be located adjacent the back of the wearer; and a rod support comprising a support member pivotally connected to a lower edge of the front portion having an aperture for receiving an end of a fishing rod.

Preferably the support member comprises a member having an upper edge which is pivotally secured to a lower edge of the front portion of the safety jacket and a lower edge shaped such that the support member tapers inwardly towards opposed ends thereof.

Preferably the front portion includes a buoyant layer of material.

Preferably the support member comprises a buoyant foam lined with sheet material on opposed sides and includes a support plate secured to a front surface thereof, the support plate including the aperture.

Preferably the support plate is connected to a first rear support member located on a rear side of the support member by pegs extending through holes in the support member.

In a preferred embodiment, the front portion of the safety jacket includes a working surface comprising a tray pivotally secured to the front portion adjacent the lower edge thereof.

Preferably the tray is pivotable between a closed position in which the tray is located within a cavity provided in the front portion and an open position in which the tray extends outwardly from the front portion.

Preferably a tray housing is provided within a recess in the front portion, the tray housing defining the cavity into which the tray is received.

In a preferred embodiment, a tray light is mounted within the cavity of the tray housing and is directed outwardly to light the upper surface of the tray when in the open position.

Preferably a second rear support member is provided on a rear side of the buoyant layer of the front portion connected to the tray housing by pegs passing through holes in the buoyant layer.

Preferably the tray includes a first edge pivotally secured adjacent a lower side of the cavity and an arcuate second edge such that the second edge is located remote from the front portion of the safety jacket when the tray is in the open position.

Preferably the tray is provided with a latch such that the tray may be secured in the closed position when not in use and released to the open position by operation of the latch.

In a preferred embodiment, a hood is provided having a transparent shield to be positioned across an opening thereof to protect the face of the wearer against spray or waves.

Preferably a storage compartment is provided comprising a waterproof envelope provided within a pocket secured to the front portion of the safety jacket.

Preferably a safety light is provided on the safety jacket, the safety light being activated by a water sensor.

Preferably a light emitter is provided to emit light outwardly from the front portion of the safety jacket.

Preferably one or more loops are provided secured to the rear portion, the loops each comprising a metallic shackle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the following drawings in which:

FIG. 1a is an upper perspective view of a safety jacket in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 1b is an upper perspective view of the safety jacket of FIG. 1a with the hood in a retracted position;

FIG. 2 is a partially exploded view of the safety jacket of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3a is a front view of the safety jacket of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3b is a rear view of the safety jacket of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the vest of the safety jacket of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5a is a front view of the safety jacket of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5b is a close up view of the tray housing of the safety jacket of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5c is an exploded view of the tray housing;

FIG. 6a is a front view of the safety jacket of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6b is a close up view of the tray of the safety jacket of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6c is an exploded view of the tray;

FIG. 7a is a front view of the safety jacket of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7b is a close up view of the support plate of the safety jacket of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7c is an exploded view of the support plate;

FIG. 8a is a front view of the safety jacket of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8b is a close up view of the light housing of the safety jacket;

FIG. 8c is an exploded view of the light housing;

FIG. 9a is an upper perspective view of the safety jacket of FIG. 1;

FIG. 9b is a view of the safety jacket showing the pocket removed;

FIG. 9c is a view showing opening of the envelope;

FIG. 10a is a front view of the safety jacket of FIG. 1;

FIG. 10b is a close up view of the pocket of the safety jacket;

FIG. 10c is a view of the pocket in an open position;

FIG. 11a is an upper perspective view of the safety jacket of FIG. 1;

FIG. 11b is a close up view of the hood compartment zipper;

FIG. 11c is a close up view of the camera mount;

FIG. 12a is an upper perspective view of the safety jacket of FIG. 1;

FIG. 12b is a close up view of the vest zipper of the safety jacket;

FIG. 12c is a close up view of one of the loops of the safety jacket;

FIG. 13a is a rear view of the safety jacket of FIG. 1;

FIG. 13b is a close up view of one of the loops of the safety jacket;

FIG. 13c is a close up view of an end of the lower strap of the safety jacket;

FIG. 14a is a front view of the safety jacket of FIG. 1;

FIG. 14b is an upper perspective view of the safety jacket showing the rod holder tube removed;

FIG. 15a is an exploded view of the rod holder tube;

FIG. 15b is a rear view of the rod holder tube;

FIG. 15c is a close up view of Detail A of FIG. 15 b;

FIG. 15d is a rear view of the channel of the rod holder tube;

FIG. 15e is a close up view of Detail B of FIG. 15 d;

FIG. 16a is a front view of a second embodiment of a safety jacket in accordance with the present invention; and

FIG. 16b is a front view of a third embodiment of a safety jacket in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to the FIGS. 1 to 15, there is shown a safety jacket 10 comprising generally a vest 12 and hood 14. The vest 12 comprises a front portion 16 to be located adjacent the chest of a wearer, a rear portion 18 to be located adjacent the back of the wearer and first and second side portions 19 and 20 extending between adjacent sides of the front and rear portions 16 and 18. The first and second side portions 19 and 20 extend upwardly from adjacent lower ends of the front and rear portions 16 and 18 such that openings 22 are defined between the front and rear portions 16 and 18 and above the first and second side portions 19 and 20, through which the arms of the wearer are received in use.

At least one of the first or second side portions 19 or 20 is provided in two sections, wherein a first of the sections is secured to the rear portion 18 and a second of the sections is secured to the front portion 16. The first and second sections of the first or second side portions 19 or 20 are secured in the embodiment shown by a vest zipper 24 such that the front and rear portions 16 and 18 may be disconnected adjacent a side thereof for the wearer to more easily put on the safety jacket 10.

The safety jacket 10 is provided also with straps 26 for tightening the safety jacket 10 around the torso of the wearer. The straps 26 extend from a first side of the front portion 16, across the first side portion 19, around the rear portion 18 and across the second side portion 20 to be secured to a second side of the front portion 16. The straps 26 are length adjustable to tighten the vest portion 12 around the torso of the wearer.

The hood 14 extends from adjacent upper ends of the front and rear portion 16 and 18 and is provided to be pulled over the head of the wearer in use. The hood 14 includes a transparent shield 28 across an opening thereof. The shield 28 comprises first and second side portions which are connectable and releasable down a central vertical axis. The central vertical axis of the shield 28 is connectable or releasable via a shield zipper 30. The first and second side portions of the shield 28 may therefore be pulled sideways such that they do not obstruct the opening of the hood 14, or connected such that the shield 28 encloses the opening of the hood 14. Should the wearer of the safety jacket 10 fall in the water, the shield 28 may be closed to protect the face of the wearer against spray and/or waves.

As can be seen for example in FIG. 3a , the safety jacket 10 is provided with a hood compartment around the rear of a neck opening. The hood compartment is accessible by a hood compartment zipper 90 and the hood 14 may be folded and stored within the hood compartment when not required.

The safety jacket 10 is also provided with a whistle 86 for attracting attention. The whistle 86 is provided within a whistle pocket 87 located adjacent a shoulder of the safety jacket 10 on the front portion 18.

The safety jacket 10 is provided with a buoyant material within its construction. In the embodiment shown, the buoyant material is provided within the front portion 16. The buoyant material is provided as a foam layer 17 secured between a first material layer 120 and a second material layer 121, as can be seen in FIG. 4.

The safety jacket 10 is provided also with a rod support. The rod support comprises a support member 32 having an aperture 34 for receiving an end of a fishing rod. The support member 32 comprises a planar member secured to a lower end of the front portion 16 of the safety jacket 10. The support member 32 includes an upper edge 36 which is pivotally secured to a lower edge of the front portion 16 of the safety jacket 10. The upper edge 36 is parallel to and adjacent the lower edge of the front portion 16 of the safety jacket 10. A lower edge 38 of the support member 32 is curved in shape such that the support member 32 tapers inwardly towards opposed ends thereof. The support member 32 is therefore narrower adjacent opposed ends and the aperture 34 is located adjacent a midpoint of the support member 32.

The support member 32 in the embodiment shown comprises also a buoyant foam layer with sheet material on opposed sides. The support member 32 includes a support plate 42 secured to an outer surface thereof which includes the aperture 34. The support plate 42 comprises a rigid plate of suitable material, such as a plastic material, to provide additional strength around the aperture 34. The support plate 42 is connected to a first rear support member 92. The first rear support member 92 comprises a rigid plate located on a rear side of the support member 32 of the safety jacket 10. The first rear support member 92 is connected to the support plate 42 by pegs 94 which extend through holes in the support member 32 of the safety jacket 10. The first rear support member 92 thereby provides additional strength to the support plate 42.

The front portion 16 of the safety jacket 10 includes a working surface which may be extended outwardly from the front portion 18. The working surface comprises a tray 46 pivotally secured to the front portion 16 adjacent the lower edge thereof. The tray 46 is pivotable between a closed position in which the tray 46 is located within a recess provided within the front portion 16 and an open position in which the tray 46 extends outwardly from the front portion 16. In the closed position, the tray 46 is oriented vertically and in the open position the tray 46 is oriented horizontally extending outwardly from the front portion 16.

The tray 46 is pivotally connected to a tray housing 98 secured to the front portion 16 of the safety jacket 10. The tray housing 98 is received within a recess provided in the buoyant layer 17 of the front portion 16 and defines a an outwardly opening cavity 97. The tray 46 is pivotally mounted within the cavity 97 such that the tray 46 is pivotable between the closed and open positions.

A second rear support member 96 is provided on a rear side of the buoyant layer 17 of the front portion 16 connected to the tray housing 98. The second rear support member 96 comprises a rigid plate connected to the tray housing 98 by pegs 94 passing through holes in the buoyant layer 17.

In the embodiment shown, the tray 46 includes a first edge 48 pivotally secured adjacent a lower side of the tray housing 98. The first edge 48 is generally linear. The tray 46 includes an arcuate second edge 50 such that the second edge 50 is located remote from the front portion 16 of the safety jacket 10 when the tray 46 is in the open position. The tray 46 is provided with a latch 52 such that the tray 46 may be secured in the closed position when not in use and released to the open position by operation of the latch 52. The latch 52 includes a moveable latch member 53 which is moveable to engage with an upper edge of the tray housing 98.

The second edge 50 of the tray 46 is provided with an upturned lip. The lip is provided around the length of the second edge 50 to restrict items from sliding off the upper surface of the tray 46 in use. A tray light 44 is also provided adjacent the tray 46. The tray light 44 is mounted within the cavity 97 of the tray housing 98 and is directed outwardly to light the upper surface of the tray 46 when in the open position and may comprise one or more LED lights activated by a switch located adjacent the tray 46.

The safety jacket 10 includes one or more storage compartments. The storage compartments include a pocket 70 in the embodiment shown located above the tray 46. The pocket 70 includes a pocket zipper around side edges and an upper edge such releasing the pocket zipper opens the upper side of the pocket 70 to pivot outwardly. A separate envelope 56 is provided to be received within pocket 70. The envelope 56 includes a flexible neck portion 58 located on a first side thereof. The flexible neck portion 58 may be rolled up to seal the envelope 56, or unrolled as shown in FIG. 9c to provide access to the interior of the waterproof envelope 56. The flexible neck portion 58 may be secured in the closed position by one or more securing securing members. The securing members may comprise portions hook and look fastener material.

The safety jacket 10 includes also a light emitter 66 provided to emit light outwardly from the front portion 16 of the safety jacket 10. In the embodiment shown the light emitter 66 is located adjacent an upper end of the front portion 16. The light emitter 66 may comprise a suitable lighting device, such as an LED light, oriented to direct light forwardly of the front portion 16. The light emitter 66 is provided to illuminate an area in front of the wearer.

The safety jacket 10 includes a safety light 60 provided to aid in locating the wearer of the safety jacket 10 in the event of emergency. The safety light 60 is provided on a shoulder portion of the safety jacket 10. A water sensor 62 is provided to activate the safety light 60 on contact with water. The safety light 60, water sensor 62 and light emitter 66 in the embodiment shown are provided together in a single light housing 59. The light housing 59 is mounted adjacent a shoulder of the vest 12. The light emitter 66 is activated by depressing the front surface of the light emitter 66.

The safety jacket 10 is provided also with a rod holder tube 100. The rod holder tube 100 comprises a cylindrical tube secured to the front portion 16 of the safety jacket 10 to be used to hold the handle of a fishing rod such that the fishing rod is held generally vertically adjacent the front portion 16. The rod holder tube 100 is located on a side of the tray housing 98 in the embodiment shown.

The rod holder tube 100 includes a connector rail 102 along the length thereof. The connector rail 102 is slidably received in a connector channel 104 secured to a front surface of the front portion 16 of the vest 12. The tube 100 can therefore be engaged with the vest 12 when not used by sliding the tube 100 into the connector channel 104. A latch mechanism is provided to engage the connector rail 102 with the connector channel when fully received in the connector channel 104. The latch mechanism comprises a lug 122 provided adjacent an upper end of the rail 102 engageable with an aperture 124 adjacent an upper end of the channel 104, as can be seen in FIG. 15.

The rod holder tube 100 includes a slot 106 extending inwardly from a first end thereof. The slot 106 comprises a first end portion 108 located adjacent the first end of the rod holder tube 100, a second end portion 110 located remote from the first end portion 108 and an intermediate portion 112. The first and second end portions 108 and 110 extend along axes parallel to the longitudinal axis of the rod holder tube 100. The second end portion 110 is offset from the first end portion 108 around the outside of the rod holder tube 100. The intermediate portion 112 therefore extends at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the rod holder tube 100 between the first and second end portions.

The slot 106 is provided for receiving the mounting arm of a reel connected to the fishing rod. The shape of the slot 106 restricts the fishing rod from sliding back out of the rod holder tube 100 without rotation of the fishing rod and thereby more securely holds the fishing rod.

The safety jacket 10 is provided with one or more loops 68 secured to the rear portion 18 thereof. The loops 68 may comprise D-shaped metallic shackles secured to ends of strap portions extending from the rear portion 18 of the safety jacket. The loops 68 may be provided for securing to a tether (not shown) such that the safety jacket 10 and the wearer may be secured during activities such as rock fishing. The loops 68 may also be used to attach a line during a rescue.

A further loop 69 of a similar construction to the loop 68 on the rear portion 18 may be provided on the front portion 16 of the safety jacket 10. The further loop 69 is provided to secure to a rescue line in the event of a rescue.

The safety jacket 10 may incorporate a camera device (not shown). The camera device may comprise a suitable video camera secured within the safety jacket 10. The camera device may be operable to record video footage of events in the area around the wearer of the safety jacket 10. The safety jacket 10 is provided with a camera mount 126 on the front surface 16 to which an external camera may be mounted.

The safety jacket is provided with a lower strap 80. The lower strap 80 is secured to the rear portion 18 of the safety jacket 10 and is connectable to a connector 82 adjacent a lower edge of the front portion 16. The lower strap 80 extends through the legs of the wearer in use to prevent the safety jacket 10 riding up. The strap 80 may be stored in use in a rear pocket 84 when not in use

In use, the safety jacket 10 is to be worn while undertaking activities such as rock fishing. The rod support may be used for supporting the end of a fishing rod while fishing. Having the aperture 34 of the rod support located on the pivotable support member 32 attached to the lower end of the front portion 18 of the safety jacket 10 allows the rod to be supported in the correct position while ensuring the support member 32 can move so that it does not obstruct movement of the wearer.

The tray 46 may be lowered as required and an upper surface of the tray 46 used for activities such as cutting bait. The tray 46 may be stowed away when not required for use. The safety jacket 10 provides a range of storage options for various items that may be required for use while fishing and acts as a buoyant lifejacket should the wearer fall into the water. The safety jacket also includes a range of safety features to improve the chances of survival until rescue.

FIG. 16 shows two further embodiments of safety jackets 10 in accordance with the present invention. The safety jackets 10 of FIG. 16 are similar to the safety jacket 10 of FIGS. 1 to 15 and like reference numerals are used to denote like parts.

The vest 12 of the safety jacket 10 comprises an inflatable member 90 rather than portions of foam filled material. The inflatable member 90 is generally U-shaped comprising first and second side portions 91 and 92 which extend in use in front of the chest of the wearer. Upper ends of the first and second side portions 91 and 92 are joined by an interconnecting portion 93 which extends in use around the neck of the wearer.

The support member 32 is connected to lower ends of the first and second portions 91 and 92. The support member 32 is provided in a similar shape to the support member 32 of the previous embodiment and includes the aperture 34 for receiving the end of a fishing rod. The safety jackets 10 of FIG. 16a and FIG. 16b operate in a similar manner but have different configurations for connection of the first and second side portions 91 and 92 to the support member 32.

It will be readily apparent to persons skilled in the relevant arts that various modifications and improvements may be made to the foregoing embodiments, in addition to those already described, without departing from the basic inventive concepts of the present invention. 

What is claimed is:
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 18. A safety jacket comprising: a buoyant vest including a front portion to be located adjacent the chest of a wearer and a rear portion to be located adjacent the back of the wearer; and a rod support comprising a support member pivotally connected to a lower edge of the front portion having an aperture for receiving an end of a fishing rod.
 19. The safety jacket in accordance with claim 18, wherein the support member comprises a member having an upper edge which is pivotally secured to a lower edge of the front portion of the safety jacket and a lower edge shaped such that the support member tapers inwardly towards opposed ends thereof.
 20. The safety jacket in accordance with claim 19, wherein the front portion includes a buoyant layer of material.
 21. The safety jacket in accordance with claim 18, wherein the support member comprises a buoyant foam lined with sheet material on opposed sides and includes a support plate secured to a front surface thereof, the support plate including the aperture.
 22. The safety jacket in accordance with claim 21, wherein the support plate is connected to a first rear support member located on a rear side of the support member by pegs extending through holes in the support member.
 23. The safety jacket in accordance with claim 18, wherein the front portion of the safety jacket includes a working surface comprising a tray pivotally secured to the front portion adjacent the lower edge thereof.
 24. The safety jacket in accordance with claim 23, wherein the tray is pivotable between a closed position in which the tray is located within a cavity provided in the front portion and an open position in which the tray extends outwardly from the front portion.
 25. The safety jacket in accordance with claim 24, wherein a tray housing is provided within a recess in the front portion, the tray housing defining the cavity into which the tray is received.
 26. The safety jacket in accordance with claim 25, wherein a tray light is mounted within the cavity of the tray housing and is directed outwardly to light the upper surface of the tray when in the open position.
 27. The safety jacket in accordance with claim 25, wherein a second rear support member is provided on a rear side of the buoyant layer of the front portion connected to the tray housing by pegs passing through holes in the buoyant layer.
 28. The safety jacket in accordance with claim 23, wherein the tray includes a first edge pivotally secured adjacent a lower side of the cavity and an arcuate second edge such that the second edge is located remote from the front portion of the safety jacket when the tray is in the open position.
 29. The safety jacket in accordance with claim 28, wherein the tray is provided with a latch such that the tray may be secured in the closed position when not in use and released to the open position by operation of the latch.
 30. The safety jacket in accordance with claim 18, wherein a hood is provided having a transparent shield to be positioned across an opening thereof to protect the face of the wearer against spray or waves.
 31. The safety jacket in accordance with claim 18, wherein a storage compartment is provided comprising a waterproof envelope provided within a pocket secured to the front portion of the safety jacket.
 32. The safety jacket in accordance with claim 18, wherein a safety light is provided on the safety jacket, the safety light being activated by a water sensor.
 33. The safety jacket in accordance with claim 18, wherein a light emitter is provided to emit light outwardly from the front portion of the safety jacket.
 34. The safety jacket in accordance with claim 18, wherein one or more loops are provided secured to the rear portion, the loops each comprising a metallic shackle.
 35. The safety jacket in accordance with claim 18, wherein the front portion includes a buoyant layer of material. 